The research university worldwide has been undergoing considerable internal transformation. The reasons are manifold ranging from changes in publishing behaviour triggered by evaluation and research systems, to social and government pressure on the set up of research agendas, to the difficulty in maintaining adequate infrastructure and qualified human resources up to the newly created mechanisms for protection and commercialization of research results. The latter is the focus of this article, which analyses the diverse and conflicting views of the impact of the patenting and licensing process (IPRs) of academic research results on the traditional activities carried out by universities, namely research and teaching. It argues that the benefits of IPRs must be weighted against the risks involved in this process. The article suggests questions and approaches for new studies that could contribute to monitor and assess Brazilian universities and to design Science and Technology and Higher Education policies.
University; Intellectual property; Patents; Academic revolution
